Sudan Humiliate Nigeria 4–0 to Seal CHAN Progress in Zanzibar

Sudan delivered a stunning 4–0 victory over Nigeria on Tuesday night in Zanzibar, climbing to the top of Group D and eliminating the Super Eagles from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with one match still to play, Sport360NG reports.

Abdel Raouf Yagoub was the star of the night, netting twice in the second half to add to Leonard Ngenge’s unfortunate own goal and Walieldin Khdir’s clinical penalty. Head coach Kwesi Appiah praised his side’s composure and efficiency, describing the performance as “disciplined, ruthless, and exactly according to plan.”

“We were organised without the ball, sharp on the break, and decisive in front of goal,” Appiah told CAF’s website. “Against Nigeria, you can’t afford to relax. The boys stuck to the game plan from start to finish.”

Nigeria’s early promise fades

The Nigerians began with intent, forcing early corners and watching Raymond Tochukwu go close in the 11th minute. They thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Anthony Ijoma found the net, but VAR ruled him offside.

Three minutes later, the tide turned. Yagoub’s shot cannoned off the post and rebounded into the net off the unlucky Ngenge. Moments before half-time, Ngenge handled inside the box, allowing Khdir to smash home from the penalty spot for a 2–0 Sudan advantage.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle admitted his team lost focus at crucial moments.

“When you’re chasing Sudan, they make the pitch feel very small,” Chelle said.

Yagoub turns the screw

Nigeria made a triple substitution at the interval, but Sudan kept their grip on the game. In the 55th minute, Musa Hussien’s persistence set up Yagoub to slot home calmly into the bottom corner. Just seven minutes later, Yagoub struck again, curling a superb finish into the top corner after a quick turnover.

From then on, Sudan controlled proceedings, with Khdir, Yaser Awad, and Ali Abdalla closing down space in midfield, while full-backs balanced defence and attack. Goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja preserved the clean sheet with a fine save to deny Steven Manyo’s late header.

Contrasting fortunes

Nigeria’s CHAN campaign ends without a single goal in two games, having conceded five. Defensive lapses, blunt attacking play, and weaknesses on the wings proved costly.

Sudan, meanwhile, boast four points from two matches, five goals scored, and just one conceded. They now face Senegal in a battle for top spot, knowing a draw could be enough to advance, though Appiah insisted his team will play to win.

“We respect Senegal, but this result means nothing if we don’t follow it up,” he said.

While holders Senegal were held to a draw by Congo elsewhere in Group D, Sudan’s emphatic triumph ensured wild celebrations among their supporters, leaving Nigeria’s players to exit the pitch in silence.